104 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Jan. 



real to you farmers of Massachusetts, if, having faith, it is 

 manifest in works. We are in a measure responsible for 

 present conditions, for the fogs of doubt and distrust 

 hanging so heavily over the farms. These blind the sun of 

 promise and blight the seeds of faith. It is your duty and 

 mine to arouse ourselves to action, — specific, positive 

 action, and thus scatter these fogs, and let in the sunlight 

 to warm the earth and drive away the malaria of doubt. 

 We are responsible, as individuals, for poor conditions, 

 poor methods, poor practices ; and we must change our 

 courses, and give more time to intelligent farm work and 

 less to magnifying the ills of life. Doing this, we shall 

 find that the currents now turned outward will be centered 

 within ; that substantial blessings are being secured ; and 

 that, by reaching after higher and better results, in the 

 faith of a brighter future, we shall be lifted to a truer and 

 nobler standard. Only in this reaching and seeking and 

 striving, only in this toiling and fighting and growing, can 

 the conditions for success be found. 



" Labor is rest, — from the sorrows that greet us ; 

 Rest from all petty vexations that meet us ; 

 Rest from sin-promptings that ever entreat us ; 



Rest from world-sirens that hire us to ill. 

 Work, — and pure slumbers shall wait on thy pillow; 

 Work, — thou shalt ride over Care's coming billow; 

 Lie not down wearied 'neath Woe's weeping willow! 

 Work with a stout heart and resolute will ! " 



The Chairman.- You have heard a voice from Maine in 

 regard to the agriculture of New England. We have an 

 hour or more for the discussion of this subject, and it is 

 your privilege to question the doctor upon any point with 

 reference to which you may desire information. 



Mr. Augustus Pratt of North Middleborough. I should 

 like to ask one question in regard to the great leakage of 

 the fertilizing elements of the farm. I understood the 

 lecturer to say that there was a waste of seventy-five per 

 cent. I would like to know if we are guilty to that extent 

 in our own State. 



Dr. Twitchell. I do not know whether it will apply 

 here, or not ; I know it applies in the State of Maine, 



